We're not talking ketchup here. You can cut a coupon. Chewing gum's not in this league either, or laundry soap.

The good buys at issue are cars. Washing machines. Refrigerators. Stereo systems. Healthcare plans. Longterm lotta-money purchases. And not necessarily those that make you look thinner, smell sexier, or step more lightly.

How do you market an item like that? What should your strategy be to increase your market share? Who's buying what, and how do you make them switch?

With the reunification of Germany, have come the expected disagreements: Who will lead the reunited country? Where will the capital be? How will the eastern economy be restored. But one battle is being fought within a group not expected to split—the environmentalists.